Artwork
Lotus Lilies
Lotus Lilies is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Charles Courtney Curran. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Lotus Lilies is an 1894 oil painting by Charles Courtney Curran, characteristic of the American Impressionism movement. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two women in a wooden boat amidst lotus lilies and lily pads. One wears a brown dress and flower-adorned hat with a green parasol, while the other is in white with a bow-topped hat. The scene conveys a serene, natural setting.
Technique & Style
Curran employs Impressionist techniques, using light and shadow to create depth. The women's faces are partially shaded, while the foliage and flowers are rendered in varied greens, accented with yellow and white.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, the painting is now held in the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. Curran, a leader at the Cragsmoor Art Colony, was known for depicting women in diverse environments.
Context
Lotus Lilies reflects Curran's association with American Impressionism and his involvement with the Cragsmoor Art Colony, a hub for artists exploring similar themes and styles.
Legacy
As part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, Lotus Lilies contributes to the institution's representation of American Impressionist works, showcasing Curran's contribution to the movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Courtney Curran (13 February 1861 – 9 November 1942) was an American impressionist painter. He is best known for his canvases depicting women in various settings, as well as for his leadership role at the Cragsmoor Art Colony.
